Analyst on iPhone: Expect rebate, bounty and Vodafone

Shaw Wu of American Technology Research has issued a new report detailing a number of iPhone developments that he expects to happen during the device’s launch. First, Wu said his sources believe AT&T will offer a rebate of $50-$150 to iPhone purchasers. “From AT&T’s perspective, a rebate is a great marketing tool to entice a customer to sign up for 2-year voice and data plans which cost $75-100 per month, meaning $1800-2400 in guaranteed bi-annual revenue,” the analyst said. Secondly, Wu said it appears Apple will be paid a “bounty” from AT&T for each iPhone customer it signs up at an Apple Store. Wu also said that Apple will likely participate in a revenue sharing agreement where it collects a recurring monthly fee—an estimated $5-$10 per user. Finally, Wu said his sources report that Vodafone will most likely be the carrier of the iPhone in Europe.